Flight to Blight(y)

Overcast morning in Melbourne - not looking forward to the long flight to London! 

We seem to be much better organised this year - don't know what has changed!

A pleasant breakfast in the hotel before booking a fare to the airport. The young driver was a very interesting chap. 

With all the bile being dished up by sections of the government and the press - they need to speak with this young man!  A Somalian, who fled his war torn country when 15, is now, ten years on, holding down two jobs, at uni doing a business degree and with a young family. What a success story! 

Part of a larger in- ground mosaic at the Melbourne International Terminal. Have walked over this many times without stopping to appreciate the vibrancy.

Larger shot!

The technology at the border security points change each year. So much more sophisticated and streamlined this year. A very easy process if you are travelling "light"! 

The Dreamliner was only half full on the first leg of the journey to Bandar Seri Begawan, with the hostess suggesting to get some sleep this leg because the next two legs could be full loads.

Preparing for the flight!

A very pleasant flight with some beautiful views of tropical storms on our approach to Brunei. 

Not quite as impressive as in the real time!

The wealth of Brunei is obvious with the huge numbers of new housing surround the capital. 

Arrived on time - a 2 hr stop and next onto Dubai.

Away!

It has again been a marathon getting ready for the annual pilgrimage to the UK and Europe. But with courage and persistence we were actually ready to leave an hour earlier than we had planned for. Well done all!

Waiting at the starting gates!

The lovely Jan and Kevin gave us a lift to the airport, arriving early allowing some time to catch our breath.

Had an interesting discussion with a women at the security-check at the airport. She was outlining the difficulties of her Australian daughter and Polish husband returning to live in Australia. It seems that every country is making it really difficult for non-citizens to reside in their domain.

Melbourne's Southern Cross Station and Edihad Stadium.

Arrived in Melbourne, did an inspection on Maddie's unit in Abbotsford - Emma and Daniel keeping it in great shape, enjoyed a very tasty meal in Vic Street before returning to the hotel for our last night in Oz for a few months.